Microsoft Courts Jail Time For Bullying Apple When It Was Still A Startup
KEY POINTS
- ā¢In 1998, Microsoft faced antitrust lawsuits for using its dominant 80% market share to push out Apple.
- ā¢Apple was a minor player with its QuickTime multimedia software, seen as a threat by Microsoft.
- ā¢The court found Microsoft engaged in unfair tactics focused on hobbling Appleās competitive potential.
Flashback to 1998, when Microsoft, then boasting over 80% of the personal computer throne, got busted for antitrust shenanigans against Apple, which was barely a blip in the PC market. The target? Apple's cross-platform QuickTime multimedia player, a mere pea next to Microsoft's juggernaut. A court found that Microsoft was scheming to keep Apple from climbing Mount Tech Olympus by throwing legal shade and probably a few corporate tantrums. Meanwhile, Apple was apparently just trying to play some multimedia files without getting steamrolled. History, justice, and tech rivalry all rolled in one epic courtroom drama. Spoiler: The PC giant wasnāt exactly playing nice.
Share the Story
(1 of 3)When you hold 80% of the PC market and still fear QuickTime, you might have a bullying problem to sort out.
Microsoft treating Apple like the annoying kid on the playground who actually brought a multimedia player. Classic.
Nothing screams market leader like freaking out over Appleās QuickTime like itās a venomous snake.
Source: Theverge | Published: 3/29/2026 | Author: Adi Robertson
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